News Releases from the Southern Research Station

Million Dollar Station Upgrade Increases Efficiency and Provides Jobs
Community Leaders and Partners Tour Renovation Project

SRS Director Jim Reaves speaking of the much-needed improvements to the Station's headquarters as an investment in Western North Carolina's economy.

Asheville, NC -- Local officials, community leaders and partners today joined USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) Director Jim Reaves for a presentation and tour of the $1.2 million renovation project underway at the Station's headquarters on W.T. Weaver Blvd. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the project is updating several systems at the facility, while putting people to work and helping to boost the economy of Western North Carolina.  

"This much-needed upgrade to the Station's headquarters is an investment in Western North Carolina's economy and an investment in the natural resources of the South," said Reaves. "The Southern Research Station has received more than three million dollars in ARRA funds for projects to help jumpstart the region's economy and create work for people this year."

The Station applied for and received ARRA funds to upgrade and replace the aging infrastructure of the nearly 30-year-old facility. The project improves energy efficiency by about 30 percent, equating to 284 fewer tons of annual carbon dioxide emissions from the building. The upgrade reduces water use by at least 30 percent and improves physical security by repairing antiquated systems in the 41,647-square-foot building.   

The project will accomplish the following:

• Replace components of the building's heating and cooling systems to improve energy efficiency.
• Renovate all restrooms with new low-use plumbing fixtures, countertops and flooring.
• Replace over 400 existing light fixtures with new energy efficient fixtures. The new fixtures will also improve lighting levels throughout the building.
• Install a new physical access control system for all entry doors and driveway gates.  The new system will enhance building security.
• Provide numerous other improvements such as renovating common areas, replacing flooring, painting, sealing windows and paving the driveway.
• Submit an application for Energy Star certification of the building.

DOT Construction Inc., based in Beaufort, NC, is general contractor for the project. DOT Construction is conducting 25 percent of the work, and 12 local subcontractors are performing 75 percent. The company estimates 60 people are working on the project. Station officials expect the work to continue through November 2010. 

The SRS upgrade project is one of two ARRA projects that the Station has underway in Western North Carolina. The nonprofit Land-of-Sky Regional Council (LOSRC) is administering the other ARRA project worth more than $1.9 million. LOSRC is helping to boost the region's economy and improve the forest products industry through grants made to 14 businesses. SRS received ARRA funding for a total of six projects across the South.

The President signed ARRA into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century.

The SRS headquarters in Asheville is a regional office that oversees Forest Service research in the South. SRS is comprised of about 500 scientists and support staff who conduct natural resource research in 20 locations across 13 Southern states (Virginia to Texas). The Station’s mission is "…to create the science and technology needed to sustain and enhance southern forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide." Learn more about SRS at: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/.